Deetjens Big Sur Elopement Photography
Deetjens will always be my absolute favorite place to photograph eloping couples. The history, roaming cats, old leaded windows, unique styling, and natural light make it such a fun place to start a wedding day. I loved that J +K also appreciated Deetjens and had stayed there before! They even allowed a little time in their day for some romantic cuddles before getting ready. I loved how J wore K’s big oversized button-down as they copied their vows in their books. They booked several rooms together for their family to get ready with them so we had several options and lots of light. We stopped at the redwoods on the way to their ceremony on the coast, where their friends met up with us for the most windy and beautiful ceremony where her best friend and now husband dueled post-ceremony. J and k got the cutest customized cake toppers of their cats for their cake to include them in the day. Everyone celebrated with cake and champagne. We ended the night at the beach overlooks as the sunset it was absolutely beautiful !!
All my favorite vendors were there:
MUAH : MALINA TERRA HAIR AND MAKEUP
FLORALS: WILI WILD FLOWER
Learn how to plan an elopement timeline that feels natural, romantic, and stress-free. Includes real examples for Big Sur, Carmel, and forest elopements.
If you’ve been dreaming of an elopement that feels both nostalgic and wildly free, a vintage car beach elopement in California might be exactly what you’re looking for. There’s something undeniably cinematic about the combination of salt air, windswept cliffs, and a beautifully restored classic car—it transforms your wedding day into a story that feels like it’s been lived a hundred times before, yet entirely your own.
As a California elopement photographer, I’m seeing more couples lean into this blend of retro romance and coastal adventure, and it’s easy to understand why.
If you’re wondering what to do for your engagement photos—you’re not alone.
Most couples come in saying:
“We want something natural… but we have no idea where to start.”
The truth is, the best engagement sessions aren’t built around poses.
They’re built around experiences.
At Flora Gibson Photography, I approach engagement sessions like a quiet story unfolding—something you step into, not perform.
Here are ideas that will help your photos feel like you.